Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)

Growing up, the holidays were never complete without the warm, inviting scent of spices filling the kitchen. One of my fondest memories is baking Lebkuchen with my grandmother, carefully measuring out the ingredients, and waiting patiently for that first taste. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is a sensory reminder of family gatherings and the joy of the season. I still bake these cookies every year, bringing a little slice of German tradition to my own home. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your holiday traditions too!

Why You'll Like It

These Lebkuchen cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. They’re easy to make ahead of time, and the flavors only get better as they sit. Plus, they're perfect for holiday gift-giving, offering a taste of German festive tradition.

Recipe: Lebkuchen (German Spice Cookies)

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup honey
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups ground almonds
• ½ cup candied orange peel, finely chopped

Instructions:

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Set aside.

Step 2:
In a saucepan, heat the honey and sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3:
In a large bowl, beat the egg, then slowly add the cooled honey mixture, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, followed by the ground almonds and candied orange peel. Mix until combined.

Step 4:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 5:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet, flattening each slightly with your hand.

Step 6:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7:
Optional: Glaze the cookies with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and water for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:
Serve these Lebkuchen with a warm cup of tea or mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat. They also make a beautiful addition to any cookie platter.

Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Lebkuchen tends to taste better after sitting for a day or two, allowing the spices to fully develop. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Helpful Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential to allow the flavors to meld and to make the dough easier to work with.
• Glazing: While the cookies are delicious on their own, you can also dip them in melted chocolate or drizzle with a sugar glaze for an extra treat.
• If you can find lebkuchen spice mix at a store, feel free to use it as a substitute for the individual spices.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the ground almonds and replace them with additional flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they'll still taste great!

Q2: How long should I chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 24 hours to allow the spices to develop and enhance the cookie's flavor. You can chill it for up to 48 hours if needed.

Q3: Can I use other types of sweeteners instead of honey?
Honey gives Lebkuchen its signature flavor, but you can substitute it with molasses or maple syrup for a slightly different taste.

Q4: Are these cookies gluten-free?
No, the traditional recipe contains flour. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free baking mix to make them suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Q5: Can I add more spices or fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with additional spices like cardamom or with more dried fruits, like chopped raisins or currants.

Final Thoughts

Lebkuchen is more than just a cookie—it’s a tradition that brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. These German spice cookies are perfect for celebrating Christmas with family and friends, filling your home with the rich aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whether you’re a fan of spiced cookies or simply looking to try something new this holiday season, this recipe is sure to bring festive cheer to your kitchen. Happy baking!

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